Teen Sports Physicals: What to Expect

A sports physical exam varies depending on who performs it, but you can count on one thing: the physician or nurse will be asking questions about your child's and your family's medical histories. It's likely to not be as detailed or in-depth as a medical history conducted at an annual wellness exam, paying more attention to sports-related questions.

It's important for the medical professional conducting the exam to know if your teen has had any prior injuries (such as fractures, concussions, and heat illness), has any allergies or chronic conditions (such as asthma), any exercise-induced symptoms (such as fainting or chest pain) and a list of current medications (prescription and over-the-counter).